Paul Weller - True Meanings

Paul Weller - True Meanings


If ever the opportunity arises for me to chat with Paul Weller, the first question I’ll ask is when he finds time to sleep. The Mod Father returns on True Meanings, his 26th record in a career long enough to have three distinct eras. In this time, he has cast a shadow of influence that has spanned generations of musicians and inspired acts such as The Smiths, Oasis and Arctic Monkeys. Few hold the level of respect he does and fewer still carry a gravitas that has kept them so relevant past their prime. In fact, to suggest that Weller’s career can be simplified down into something as ordinary as having a ‘prime’ seems disingenuous. The man is like an Italian vino, he only seems to improve with age.

Not one for stagnation, Weller newest release leans further into the unknown than any of his previous projects. Gone are the fist shaking political anthems, replaced with methodically melodic acoustic narrations and collaborations with Villagers, Martin Cathy and others. Especially prevalent is the influence of Conor O’Brien, the man behind indie-folk cult band Villagers as he brings his eerie brand of psychedelic infused funk-folk. With over four decades of experience under his belt, Weller still sounds fresh, rejuvenated by the introspective themes of True Meanings, namely honesty, fatherhood (both his own and that of his late father’s) and the prospect of an impending internal slumber. Quietly thrilling and altogether the most thoughtful of Weller’s solo endeavours, True Meanings is a snapshot of the ex-Jam frontman’s current state of affairs, an album dedicated to taking stock of what's most important.


Walking the fine line between sharp and soft, Weller remains in complete control of his destiny on True… Easing on and off the throttle, Weller maintains a smooth tempo throughout, interrupted only by nuggets of gospel and delicate keys that bring the late Ray Manzarek to mind. To try something this new at this point in his career is demonstrative of an active mind and a driving hunger that would be slightly frightening if not for the muted comfort in Weller’s vocals. Fury and bite have turned to wisdom and grace, as Weller reminds us all that he is not going anywhere soon. Don’t get comfortable, however, in all likelihood his next album will sound nothing like this one, so pull up a chair and enjoy while you can.

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